Hello Skiers,
Spring skiing will rule for the weekend, with snow, clouds and a flurry.
A low pressure off the coast will cause partly cloudy skies for Friday and through the weekend. There will be sunshine at times especially on Saturday as the low weakens. No doubt youll feel the spring skiing, considering the longer days, better visibility and warmer temperatures. There may be a few snow showers at times, mainly in the afternoon as the air destabilizes with the warmth of the sun, causing rising air currents producing clouds over the Cascades. The snow level will be near 4,500 ft. There is even a slight chance of an afternoon thundershower. Dont expect any significant snow accumulation there may be a spotty trace of snow, here and there.
By next Tuesday and Wednesday, there is a chance for more significant snowfall. Also, by early to mid-April (7-14th) we could see a robust snowfall pattern develop. Right now too early to tease out details and there is great uncertainty in this long-range forecast. This season may not go out quietly after a slow start, tiptoeing in on little cats feet early in December. There can be wonderful April skiing for the NW, especially with this healthy snowpack currently on the ground. Watch for closing dates and the evolution of limited hours and or lift operations. The snowpack is in good shape, but be aware of thin spots on the lower slopes and on some ridges. Many ski areas will start to close by mid to late April, while some will stay open until May. BTW: Dont forget the sunscreen you can get fried easily.
Are you considering a season pass for next year?
The reality is seasonal forecasting many months ahead is difficult and unreliable. But due to popular demand, here ya go. Indications are we will be near neutral or continue with a weak El Nino for next winter, like this past season. We sometimes have snow problems with El Nino winters here in the NW, but rarely do we have a really bad ski season. If El Nino holds steady, it will be very weak and probably not a big driving factor for the weather season for the NW next year. Ill be more confident in the extended forecast by next fall. If you like to ski, buy a pass then use it.
Your Grand Poobah of Powder
Larry Schick meteorologist
Spring skiing will rule for the weekend, with snow, clouds and a flurry.
A low pressure off the coast will cause partly cloudy skies for Friday and through the weekend. There will be sunshine at times especially on Saturday as the low weakens. No doubt youll feel the spring skiing, considering the longer days, better visibility and warmer temperatures. There may be a few snow showers at times, mainly in the afternoon as the air destabilizes with the warmth of the sun, causing rising air currents producing clouds over the Cascades. The snow level will be near 4,500 ft. There is even a slight chance of an afternoon thundershower. Dont expect any significant snow accumulation there may be a spotty trace of snow, here and there.
By next Tuesday and Wednesday, there is a chance for more significant snowfall. Also, by early to mid-April (7-14th) we could see a robust snowfall pattern develop. Right now too early to tease out details and there is great uncertainty in this long-range forecast. This season may not go out quietly after a slow start, tiptoeing in on little cats feet early in December. There can be wonderful April skiing for the NW, especially with this healthy snowpack currently on the ground. Watch for closing dates and the evolution of limited hours and or lift operations. The snowpack is in good shape, but be aware of thin spots on the lower slopes and on some ridges. Many ski areas will start to close by mid to late April, while some will stay open until May. BTW: Dont forget the sunscreen you can get fried easily.
Are you considering a season pass for next year?
The reality is seasonal forecasting many months ahead is difficult and unreliable. But due to popular demand, here ya go. Indications are we will be near neutral or continue with a weak El Nino for next winter, like this past season. We sometimes have snow problems with El Nino winters here in the NW, but rarely do we have a really bad ski season. If El Nino holds steady, it will be very weak and probably not a big driving factor for the weather season for the NW next year. Ill be more confident in the extended forecast by next fall. If you like to ski, buy a pass then use it.
Your Grand Poobah of Powder
Larry Schick meteorologist
